Gems of Central Europe by Rail

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to your choice of deluxe or luxury hotel. All have been handpicked for their attentive service, fine amenities and terrific city-center locations. The rest of this day is yours to relax and explore as you wish.

Situated along both banks of one of Europe’s most storied waterways, the capital of Hungary is fondly known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Today you can pursue your own personal interests with one of these included, privately-guided excursions.   Budapest Private City Tour: Encompassing both banks of the Danube River, this in-depth privately-guided tour showcases the city’s rich architectural heritage and historic legacy, starting with the grandeur of Heroes’ Square and the beautiful Opera House. Then go behind the lavish façade of the Hungarian Parliament for a specially arranged tour of its sumptuous interiors. Crossing the Danube, you’ll visit the 13th-century Matthias Church and stand on Fisherman’s Bastion for sweeping views of Budapest and the Danube. Note: In the event of an official state function which would preclude a tour inside the Hungarian Parliament, you will instead enjoy a guided visit of the magnificent Budapest Opera House.  Tour Duration: 4 Hours   Szentendre Private Half-Day Tour: Just 13 miles from the capital, it’s an easy yet scenic drive to the charming riverside town of Szentendre. Filled with beautiful Baroque churches and other architectural gems, the town emerged as a working artists’ colony in the 1920’s. Artists remain, but Szentendre is now also bustling with galleries, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. In the engaging company of your own private guide, this is a delightful way to experience Hungary’s rich history, culture, and modern-day vibrancy.  Tour Duration: 4 Hours   Folklore Show and Dinner: Preserved for centuries in small villages scattered around the country, Hungary’s folk traditions have their roots in various cultures including Magyars, Gypsies and Germans. With roundtrip chauffeured transfers included, this evening excursion is highlighted by a rousing folk performance including traditional costumes, music and dance. Your 3-course dinner features fine Hungarian cuisine and local wine.   Budapest by Night with Dinner: With your private car and driver, you’ll enjoy a magical drive through the capital. From the Chain Bridge to Parliament, many of the city’s landmarks are spectacularly illuminated at night, showcasing their Gothic flourishes and architectural details. Photo stops are included in the Castle District and atop Gellért Hill before heading to a local restaurant for a 3-course Hungarian dinner accompanied by live music.

This day is yours to enjoy as you wish, and the city-center locations of our deluxe and luxury hotels make it easy to step out and explore at your own pace. Set in a beautiful 19th-century landmark, the bustling Central Market is worth a visit. In addition to meat and produce vendors, you’ll find souvenirs, Tokaj wines and merchants selling a variety of Hungarian snacks and dishes. You may also want to stop by one of the city’s many inviting cafes. Located on Vörösmarty Square for more than a century, Café Gerbeaud is one of the city’s most famous.   If you prefer additional guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of private tours including an extensive full-day excursion to a horse farm in the Great Hungarian Plains. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/1e419e34-2aaa-4289-9b46-b732351006f5/Europe-Gems-of-Central-Europe-Budapest-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] to see the list of tours available to enhance your stay. Meals B

Your chauffeured transfer to the rail station and our signature to-the-train luggage service make traveling a breeze. Sit back in your comfortable first-class seat and enjoy the scenic journey through the countryside into Austria. Upon arrival in Vienna, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by private car to your chosen hotel.  Our deluxe and luxury hotels have been carefully chosen for their fine service, welcoming ambience and great locations.  Meals B

For nearly the entire period of the 600-year Habsburg Dynasty, Vienna was the Imperial capital and cultural heart of their vast Empire. In addition to the city’s rich cultural and musical heritage, the Habsburg legacy endures in the fine Baroque palaces and Gothic landmarks that grace the capital. After breakfast today, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your stay in Vienna with one of these privately-guided excursions:   Vienna City Tour with Schönbrunn Palace: Accompanied by your personal expert guide, this half-day tour begins along the Ringstrasse, Vienna’s most famous boulevard. Constructed in the mid 1800’s under the rule of Emperor Franz Josef I, the 3.2-mile long Ringstrasse is home to important landmarks including the Vienna State Opera House and Parliament. Highlighting this excursion is a visit through the opulent galleries and lavish rooms of the Schönbrunn Palace , former summer residence of the Habsburg family.  Tour Duration 4 Hours   Imperial Vienna Walking Tour: In the engaging company of your knowledgeable private guide, this walking tour is a delightful way to see Vienna’s most important landmarks as you experience the city’s daily rhythms and vibrant street life. Among the highlights you’ll see and learn about today are the famous Spanish Riding School, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Imperial Palace with its lovely gardens.  Tour Duration 3 Hours   Mozart Tour of Vienna: Many renowned composers like Franz Schubert, Joseph Haydn and the Strauss family resided and worked in Vienna, at least at some point in their lives.  Although Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart  lived in the capital for only 10 years, he is perhaps the most famous of all. Focusing on his life, as well as those of his contemporaries, this tour includes the house where Mozart died and Vienna’s Central Cemetery where he and many of his peers are buried. Tour Duration 3 Hours   Meals B

This entire day is at leisure to enjoy as you wish. With striking architecture at every turn, a pedestrian-friendly city center and inviting green spaces, Vienna is a delight to explore—and our centrally located hotels make it easy to step out and discover its charms at your own pace.   If you prefer additional guided sightseeing, we offer a wide variety of privately-guided excursions both in the city and farther afield. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/43bb3d04-a7b5-431d-af53-eda31d3e0d06/Europe-Gems-of-Central-Europe-Vienna-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] to see the list of tours we have available to enhance your stay.  Meals B

We’ll take you to the station today and directly to your train – assisting with your luggage for your comfort and convenience. Enjoy the first class rail journey through the Austrian countryside and across the border into the rolling landscapes of the Czech Republic. On arrival in Prague, you’ll be met and chauffeured to your choice of deluxe or luxury hotel in the heart of the city.  Meals B

Hailed by Goethe as the “Jewel in the Crown of the World,” Prague is indeed one of Europe’s loveliest cities. From the oft-photographed Charles Bridge to the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance landmarks in Old Town, the Czech capital is filled with majestic architecture! Outside of the city, you can explore castles and medieval towns that are equally impressive—including Kutná Hora, a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pursue your own interests today by choosing one of these included, privately-guided sightseeing tours.   Prague City Tour: With your own private car, driver and guide, this comprehensive tour includes beautiful and historically important landmarks throughout the city, starting with the Art Nouveau houses and neo-classical landmarks in New Town. Crossing the Vltava River, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour through Prague Castle before finishing your tour in Old Town, home to the twin-spired Tyn Church and medieval Town Hall with its marvelous Astronomical Clock.  Tour Duration 3.5 Hours   Terezin Holding Camp: Explore tragic and poignant chapters of World War II history on this privately guided tour. Situated 30 miles north of Prague, Terezin is contained within the walls of an historic fortress built by Emperor Joseph II in the late 1700’s. It was turned into a concentration camp in 1940 to hold Jews deported from their homes in Czechoslovakia, Germany, Austria and beyond. More than 150,00 Jews were held here for months or even years before being sent to their deaths at Nazi extermination camps. The Terezin Memorial features educational exhibits to deepen your understanding of the Holocaust.  Tour Duration 5 Hours     Kutná Hora: Founded in the Middle Ages, Kutná Hora  developed into a wealthy town thanks to the fortunes that were made in the nearby silver mines. Erstwhile residence of Czech kings including Wenceslas IV and Charles IV, this lovely town boasts a number of important landmarks that you will explore with your private guide. Admire the breathtaking interior of the Cathedral of St. Barbara, a jewel of the late Gothic period, and visit the Italian Court which served as the Royal Mint for 400 years starting in 1326. Before returning to Prague, you’ll also visit the Sedlec Ossuary, a medieval church featuring an underground chapel decorated with more than 40,000 human bones!  Tour Duration 5 Hours   Karlstejn Castle: Available as a morning or afternoon excursion, this privately guided tour showcases one of the country’s most picturesque castles. Built in the 14th century by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, it sits on a commanding hill over the town of Karlstejn. Beyond the impressive façade, you’ll discover historic relics, a fine art collection, and the crown jewels of the Czech Kingdom. The 45-minute drive from Prague is a scenic journey through the Bohemian countryside. Note that there is an uphill walk from the parking lot to the castle entrance. Tour Duration 5 Hours   Meals B

The central location of our hotels makes it easy to step out and explore the city at your own pace. Situated between the Vltava River and Old Town, Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter is a district that is easily explored on your own. Among the sites to see are the Maisel Synagogue, built at the end of the 1500’s, and the diminutive Pinkas Synagogue which now commemorates the nearly 80,000 Czech Jewish victims of the Holocaust.   If you prefer additional guided sightseeing, we offer a variety of private tours including an extensive full-day excursion to the historic, fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov. CLICK HERE [/~/getmedia/6850e714-8d51-409f-93eb-4b24fd3703d2/Europe-Gems-of-Central-Europe-Prague-Optional-Tours.pdf.aspx] to see the list of tours available to enhance your stay. Meals B

After breakfast, our private car and driver will take you to the airport or rail station for your onward journey.  Meals B